Winter is the most stressful time of the year for wildlife. Deep snow, scarce food, and cold temperatures make energy conservation key for winter survival.

When we disturb wildlife, we force them to spend energy avoiding us, which can result in their death. That’s why agencies responsible for wildlife management in the area have designated certain spaces as closed for winter use.

We have many places to ski and snowmobile, but elk, deer, moose, and bighorn sheep rely on undisturbed areas to survive the winter.

Please respect wildlife and their habitat. Don’t poach the powder. Stay out of areas that are closed to protect our wildlife.

Did you know:

• The consequences of poaching the powder aren’t immediate. Stress on wildlife in closure areas can lead to a
long, slow death.

• Even after the snow has melted, poaching can harm wildlife. Early spring is the hardest time for wildlife to find forage.

• Even dogs can poach the powder.

• Poaching wildlife closure areas is a crime carrying a penalty of up to $5,000 or 6 months in jail.

Remember, “poaching” protected winter closure areas on foot or with dogs, skis, snowboards, or snowmobiles can be as harmful to wildlife as poaching with a rifle.